Squaring instrument



J. D. McCALLUM.

SQUARING INSTRUMENT. APPLICATION FILED NOV. 14, 1919.

Patented Nov. 9, 1920.

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PATENT OFFICE.

UNITED STATES JAMES D. MOCALLUM,OF LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC, CANADA.

SQUARING INSTRUMENT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 9, 1920.

Application filed November 14, 1919. Serial No. 338,030.

siding at Longueuil, Province of Quebec,

Canada, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Squarmg Instruments; and I do hereby declare that the fol lowing is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

The present invention has relation to squaring instruments and more particularly appertains to that type of device adapted for use by carpenters and masons.

' The object of the invention is to provide a squaring instrument or tool of sectional construction, the elements of which are capable of being disconnected, whereby the same may be slipped into the pocket or tool box, without taking up the space required by a square of the ordinary fixed construction.

With the above and other objects in view which will hereinafter appear as the description continues, the invention consists of the novel features of construction, combination and formation of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings is shown a simple and preferred form of the invention, it being, however, understood that no limitation is necessarily made to the precise structural details herein exhibited, but the right is hereby reserved to any changes, alterations or modifications to which re course may be had that come within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing the efficiency of the same.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the improved squaring tool with the section in locked position.

Fig. 2 is an edge view of same.

Fig. 3 is a detail side elevation of the instrument illustrating the connecting means for the sections with the latter in partly open position.

Fig. 4 is a fragmental elevation view with portions in section, illustrating the spring element for holding the sections in interlocked position.

Fig. 5 is an inner edge elevation with a portion in section illustrating the spring element, and y Figs. 6 and 7 designate respectively a plan elevation of the square sections detached from each other. i

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings wherein like and corresponding parts are designated by similar reference characters throughout the several views, the device consists of a square comprising the sections 1 and 2, which are preferably constructed of sheet steel of'equal 7 thickness in cross section, each having straight inner and outer longltudinal edges 3 and 4: and end edges'o and 6.. The edges 3 and 4 of section 2 extend at right angles to the edges 3 and 1 ofsection 1, when the said sections 1 and 2 are assembled as illustrated in Fig. 1.

' For connecting the square sections 1 and 2 together, the upper end of section 1 is bifurcated to form a slot 6 adapted for the reception of the reduced portion 7 of section 2. The reduced end portion 7 of section 2 at the outer corner is formed with an arouate shaped slot 8, while diametrically opposite the slot 8, the inner edge of the reduced portion 7 is formed with a relatively wide arcuate shaped slot 9. This slot 9 at its upper part extends at right angles to its longitudinal dimension to form a seat 10.

The inner edge 4 of section 1 is provided with a channel 11 in which is mounted a spring latch member 12, the lower end of the latter being secured to said section by means of screws 13. The upper end of said latch member 12 is formed with an enlargement 14 carrying a pin 15 and the upper free end of said latch member 12 terminates in a hook shaped head 16.

Grooves 17 are formed in the edge portion 4 of section 1, being adapted for the reception of the opposite ends of pin 15 carried by the latch member, while the head 16 is adapted to rest within seat 10 of section 2 when the square sections are assembled. Likewise a pin 18 is disposed in the upper left hand corner of section 1 and when the sections 1 and 2 are to be assembled, the section 2 is elevated to first position the pin 18 within the arcuate slot 8 of section 2. As section 2 is lowered to position the reduced portion 7 within slot 6 of section 1, the latch member 12 is-slightly withdrawn from slot 11 by grasping the ends of pin 15 between the fingers and upon the section 2 being positioned at right angles to section 1, the spring head 16 will rest Within seat 10 of section 2 and thereby" said section '2 Will be locked together." i

To disengage the sections 1 and 2, it is only necessary to pull outwardly upon pin 15 connected to the latch member 12, to release the head 16 from-seat 10 of the section 2 and then lift the last mentioned section upwardly to disengage pm 18 from thearcuate slot 8 of section 2 'It is obvious that I have provided a knockdown type of square that may be readily assembled and disassembled.

Having thus fully-described my inVen-' 'tion,-vwhat I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. As new article of manufacture the herein described squaring tool comprising two metallic sections, the first of said sections having one end 'blrurcated to form a slot therein, the second of said sections being formed with a reduced portionadapu ed to rest within the slot of the opposing section, the said second section formed with slots, the said first section formed with a channel, a spring actuated latch member mounted in said channel and having a portion adapted to seat within one'o'f' the slots or" the other of said sections, a pin carried by the first mentioned section and adapted for location in the other of said slots of the second mentioned section, and a pin con "rest within the slot of the opposing section,

the section having the reduced portion formed with slots, the first mentioned section formed with a. channel, a spring member mounted in said channel and having a portlon adapted to seat within one of the slots of the other of said sectlons, a pin carried by the first mentioned section and adapted for location in the other of said slots of the second mentioned section, and a pin connected tosaid spring member for withdrawing said spring member from engagement with the opposing section.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

r JAMES D; MCCALLUM. 

